He continued training while earning his pre-diploma in economics at school, and was a member of the German national squad.
In 2005, Engelmann was a member of the Dortmund crew that won the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta.
He also rowed for Cambridge University in the 2006 Boat Race (losing against Oxford).
[3] In July 2007 Engelmann did not complete his academic course and instead returned to the German national rowing team to prepare for the Beijing Olympics.
[4] It was reported that Oxford asked for the 2007 race to be awarded to them, or declared void, as Engelmann was so important to the crew and appeared not to have been a genuine student.